Chefs are fond of hyperbole, so they can certainly talk that way. But on the whole, I think they probably have a more open mind than most people.

I’m always secretly the most pleased when a show just really, really looks good and when my camera guys are really happy with the images they got.

Understand, when you eat meat, that something did die. You have an obligation to value it - not just the sirloin but also all those wonderful tough little bits.

I urge you to travel - as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to.

Learn how to cook a (effing) omelet. I mean, what nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast? You look good doing it, and it's a nice thing to do for somebody you just had sex with.

I'm a decent cook; I'm a decent chef. None of my friends would ever have hired me at any point in my career. Period.

I'm at my most productive before I even have my first cup of coffee. I only get slower and stupider as the day progresses.